AF Begins Anthrax Shots in Korea

The Air Force resumed mandatory anthrax shots March 7 for Airmen in South Korea. Mass vaccinations began at Osan Air Base, with about 4,000 Airmen slated for the shots. At Kunsan Air Base, the 8th Fighter Wing was to begin shots March 9 for 1,600 airmen, said Capt. James P. Lage, a wing spokesman. The shots are scheduled for all of the nearly 7,900 airmen serving in South Korea, except those exempt for medical or other reasons, officials said. This comes after the Defense Department’s top health official approved plans to restart anthrax vaccinations for all troops serving in South Korea or in the U.S. Central Command area of operations. In 2005 the shots had been voluntary. But when only half of U.S. troops chose to get them, DoD in 2006 announced they would become mandatory for those deemed most at risk.